The Graduate Institute, Two Day WorkshopThe Phenomenology of Silence: Educing Learning and Creativity in the ClassroomJuly 13-16Bethany, ConnecticutMasters in Learning and Thinking CohortsClosed Group

Feedback: "On behalf of the three MALT cohorts you spent the last two days with I would like to thank you again for providing an exceptional opportunity to offer an inspiring, meaningful and relevant workshop. I love the way you create a comfortable and safe learning space for my colleagues to reflect and share their thoughts and feelings." Dr James Trifone, The Graduate Institute Bethany CT

The Phenomenology of Silence: Educing Learning and Creativity in the ClassroomNothing has changed the nature of man as much as the loss of silence. Max PiccardIn this two-day session, veteran high school math teacher, Lawrence Carroll, will share mindfulness techniques as a foundation for dialogue and thus, for learning. Despite the variety of pedagogical styles to which teachers are introduced, the classroom is dependent upon the oral tradition. Verbal communication is the primary medium for transmitting knowledge.In our sessions together, participants will explore the relationships between silence, dialogue, learning and creativity. In so doing they will awaken in themselves the source of their own pedagogical potentials.The goals in our sessions are to:1. Determine how stress affects learning and creativity2. Experience and learn silence and mindfulness techniques3. Explore the relationship between silence, dialogue and communication4. Investigate the role of silence and mindfulness in implementing the Connecticut Code of Responsibility for Teachers5. Brainstorm the ways in which silence can be applied in the classroomTeachers will come away with:1. A renewed and enhanced sense of their roles as teachers2. Practical methods to manage classroom stress3. An understanding of the role of meditation and mindfulness in learning4. Deeper listening and dialogical skills5. A set of practical guidelines for implementing these techniques in the classroom6. Resources and support to help establish these practices in their school districts